Monday Round-Up

Ashley-Cooper outlines plans: Wallabies utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper has confirmed he will hang up his international boots following next year’s Rugby World Cup in England. Having made his test debut back in 2005 against the Springboks in Perth, Ashley-Cooper has gone on to wear the Green and Gold on 99 occasions, with the midfielder in line to rack up a century of caps this weekend, as the Wallabies host the All Blacks in Brisbane. Set to become just the sixth centurion from Australia, Ashley-Cooper also revealed that he would like to join fellow Aussies Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell at reigning European and French champions Toulon, after next year’s showpiece event. Already in the process of scoping out the local area ahead of a potential move to the Mourad Boudjellal funded outfit, the Waratah expects a decision to be made in the coming weeks.

Toulouse down Toulon: French giants of the game, Toulouse, comfortably overcame reigning domestic and European champions Toulon 21-10 at Stade Ernest Wallon. Despite coming into the game second from bottom and amongst the relegations places, the home side produced a physically dominant display, reminiscent of the Guy Noves sides of years gone by, not so much this term so far. Tries a piece for French internationals Gael Fickou and Yoann Huget on either side of halftime saw the hosts race into a 21 point advantage. While the visitors attempted to stage a comeback, a Bryan Habana try was all they could manage and the home side hung on for their well-deserved win with relative ease.

White back in Business: World Cup winning head coach Jake White will make his return to the international game this year, with news emerging that the former Springbok coach has accepted a role within the Tongan setup. White, who recently left his post at South African Super Rugby franchise the Sharks amid reports of rifts between himself and the players, will come on board as a technical advisor for the duration of Tonga’s November Internationals. Tonga take on Georgia, the USA and Scotland in the coming months.

Ryan Sheady